Who to Call: Canal Commission

Sunday

Jan 20, 2013 at 12:01 AMJan 21, 2013 at 2:49 AM

WINTER HAVEN | When it comes to the Chain of Lakes and the canals that connect them, it can be hard to know whom to call when something's wrong. But whatever it is, you can start with the Canal Commission.It will at least point you in the right direction."Anything that has to do with the lake or the canals, or ditches going to canals, or potential discharge into a lake or canal — anything that is a water-type issue — we are more than happy to be called and to direct people to the right spot," said Canal Commission Executive Director Roger Griffiths.The Lake Region Lakes Management District is commonly known as the Canal Commission.Griffiths said it's often hard to know whether Chain of Lakes users should call the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or a local government when issues arise on the chain. In most cases, Canal Commission officials can point you in the right direction or even provide immediate help.Griffiths said his agency has been called when people are dumping septic tanks into the lakes, and while his agency does not have police powers, it often has been able to stop people from continuing the practice."We can go to someone and say, ‘Excuse me, what are you doing here?' " Griffiths said.Griffiths said his office also will document any violations and notify the offended agency.The Canal Commission can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 863-293-0729.